Guard Duty sometimes takes more commitment than you initially realized. We should be on guard too. There are FOES outside the church and there are FIENDS inside too.

A. Instating The Soldiers Of The Watch

If we are going to protect God's Church, we seek those within it who have become trained and mature. Maybe that's YOU!

"12. I thank Christ Jesus our LORD, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to His service." There are two words that we want to be sure of when we appoint them to their duty: "considered trustworthhy." Why? Because Christ Jesus......has given me (you) strength.

What kind of recruits qualify as good guards? Ones who themselves received Christ's mercy and are grateful for what's happened inside. The one who has received mercy understands grace:

"14. The grace of our LORD was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus." Grace - changed lives, having received mercy.

B. Instilling The Sources For This Watch

"15. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst."

The sources for this watch don't always come from the godliest, purest, least sinful of lives!

C. Instructing The Successors To This Watch

"18. Timothy,my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies one made about you."

Timothy needed to be as fully prepared as possible for what came next. The command came after the prophecies, after the preparation.

Conclusion

Oh, stay watchful. Oh, stay prayerful. Oh, stay alert. If you are a new guardsman, take the responsibility seriously.